Reddit mentions of Pearl Izumi Elite Barrier Jacket - Closeout

People react to the cold differently, so what works for me might not work for you. This is what I wear through the winter in New England:

Brisk (55F to 40F):

• Bike jersey & shorts
  
• Wool sweater
  
• Wool socks
  
• Full fingered cycling gloves
  
  
  Chilly (39F to 32F):
  
  Same as the above, plus:
  
  
• Lightweight wind vest / jacket (such as https://www.amazon.com/Pearl-Izumi-Elite-Barrier-Jacket/dp/B003BLOU5G)
  
• Wool / insulated cycling cap
  
• Shoe covers
  
• Over shorts
  
• Sunglasses / clear glasses
  
  Cold (31F to 15F):
  
  Same as the above, plus:
  
  
• Insulated base layer
  
• Winterized cycling shoes instead of regular cycling shoes
  
• Soft-shell pants / thermal leggings instead of over shorts
  
• Ski gloves instead of cycling gloves
  
  Why am I out here (Under 15F):
  
  Same as the above, plus:
  
  
• Hardshell jacket instead of wind jacket
  
• Lightly tinted ski goggles instead of sunglasses
  
• Wool neck gaiter
  
  The trick is to master the layering, and generate enough body heat to keep yourself comfortable while moving.

Here is my list I made for another post. It works from 60 to -10 or so.

Here are my recommendations for surviving a Boston winter:

Bibs, Base Layer, Leg Warmers, Arm Warmers, Thermal Jersey, Jacket, Helmet Cover, Toe Cover, Shoe Cover, Gloves, Balaclava & Socks.

This is almost exclusively Pearl Izumi because it fits me, I can get a good deal on most of it if I wait to buy and the quality is amazing. It is not cheap but I rode almost every week outdoors last year during one of the worst winters we have had in a long time.

Also, do yourself a favor and get a rear fender and wet chain lube. Also staying hydrated is very important as anyone would tell you but it is hard to drink cold water when it is cold so I find this stuff from Skratch Labs really helps. Be prepared to a lot more drive train maintenance due to the salt and sand you will get in your chain and cassette.

Let me know what you have questions on and I will be happy to report back. I don't use all of this on every ride, it is weather dependent but in the middle of winter, I certainly like being able to bundle up and then remove a layer or unzip when needed. It makes riding fun when the thermometer dips below 15°F.

I'm personally a huge fan of Pearl Izumi and have been for quite some time. I've been riding with these jackets for 3 years now and I've never felt let down.

http://www.amazon.com/Pearl-Izumi-Elite-Barrier-Jacket/dp/B003BLOU5G
http://www.amazon.com/Pearl-Izumi-Thermal-Barrier-Jacket/dp/B003BLOTK2/ref=pd_sim_sbs_a_2